CCA Urges the FCC to Make Additional mmW Spectrum Available for Next-Generation and 5G Use

Washington, DC – September 10, 2018 – Today, in comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”), Competitive Carriers Association (“CCA”) encouraged the Commission to further free-up additional spectrum resources for licensed mobile wireless use and continue its efforts to auction such spectrum as soon as possible, consistent with Chairman Pai’s proposal to simultaneously auction the 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz bands.

“Competitive carriers need access to a variety of spectrum resources, especially critical millimeter wave (“mmW”) spectrum resources, to further deploy and expand services to consumers in urban and remote areas,” said CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry. “CCA therefore supports the Commission’s continued efforts to act throughout this proceeding to free-up additional spectrum in a variety of bands, to make as much spectrum available as quickly as possible. Specifically, the Commission should move forward with proposals to make all, or a portion thereof, the 23.15-23.6 GHz band, the 31.8-33.4 GHz band, the 42.5-43.5 GHz band, and the 45.5-47 GHz band available for next-generation and 5G technologies.”

“Additionally, opening up additional bands, such as the 26 GHz and 42 GHz bands, for wireless broadband will help continue the deployment of critical wireless services to all consumers. A variety of spectrum resources is necessary to deploy next-generation mobile broadband technologies, including to support the Internet of Things, and ultimately 5G. And access to mmW spectrum, in particular, will determine the viability of competitive carriers as networks move into the next-generation and consumers’ demand for data increases.”

About CCACCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s nearly 100 carrier members covers 95 percent of the nation. Visit www.ccamobile.org.